History
The call for ministry began after several years of Christian outreach and leadership development in Tanzania. ELI founder Don Rogers, while working with Tanzanian Christians and churches, found the lack of food and other necessities of life a disturbing commonality among the villages. Many new believers cried out for work – seeking any opportunity to earn income for food, clothes, medicine, and school fees. In 1994, ELI was formed and immediately expanded its initial ministry of evangelism and Bible training to include projects addressing the physical sufferings faced by the people. This holistic work continues to open up new communities to both the Word of God and practical ideas for breaking the cycle of poverty at the village level. As a Christian organization, ELI cares deeply about the spiritual condition of all people and works closely with evangelical leaders and churches in both the USA and in Africa. What began with a few volunteers has grown to become a dynamic team made up of full-time nationals and Americans working side by side. In addition, volunteers from the USA participate each year in short-term opportunities provided by ELI.